B’s Beat: Bruins Sign Kevan Miller To 2 Year Extension

The Boston Bruins have announced today in these blizzard conditions, that they have signed rookie defenseman Kevan Miller to a 2 year, one-way contract extension worth $800,000 per year.

Miller has been a solid presence on the back-end in his time with the big club, and has proven that he is an NHL ready defenseman. The signing comes as a bit of surprise to me though, as this is a team loaded with young NHL ready d-men. I guess you can never have too many, but this signing indicates to me that perhaps Matt Bartkowski will be moved this season, and maybe McQuaid in the offseason.

It is impossible to tell what the Bruins have in mind at this point, but it appears they have liked what they have seen in Miller to make this commitment to him. I think he is the perfect guy to have as a seventh defenseman. He’s strong on his skates, hits hard (hello Dustin Brown two times), and has solid decision making skills. Miller also adheres to Claude Julien’s system, which has obviously contributed to his success early on.

This signing also intrigues on the trade front. I mentioned above that I believe Bartkowski will be moved, but they could always send him down. When Dougie Hamilton returns from injury the Bruins will have 7 active defensemen on their roster (Zdeno Chara, Johnny Boychuk, Hamilton, Adam McQuaid, Torey Krug, Bartkowski, and Miller). Most teams’ carry 7 d-men, but then again, the Bruins desperately need another veteran presence, which leads me to believe a deal is brewing.

Whatever the case may be; I think this is a solid deal for the B’s, even if I do find it a little surprising. Kevan Miller has been solid so far, and he will only get better over time. The 26 year old former University of Vermont product has 1 goal, 1 assist, and an even rating in 16 games with the Bruins this season.